virulent
adjective /ˈvɪrələnt/
/ˈvɪrələnt/
- (of a disease or poison) extremely dangerous or harmful and quick to have an effect
- a virulent form of influenza
- a particularly virulent flu germ
- (formal) showing strong negative and bitter feelings
- virulent criticism
- virulent nationalism
Word Originlate Middle English (originally describing a poisoned wound): from Latin virulentus, from virus ‘poison’.